Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Be Water
TITLE DETAILS

Be Water

2020-01-25 · 105 min · ★ 6.8

Documentary

In 1971, after being rejected by Hollywood, Bruce Lee returned to his parents’ homeland of Hong Kong to complete four iconic films. Charting his struggles between two worlds, this portrait explores questions of identity and representation through the use of rare archival footage, interviews with loved ones and Bruce’s own writings.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Bao Nguyen
Production companies
ESPN, Dorothy St Pictures, East Films
Countries
United States of America, United Kingdom, Vietnam
Status
Released

Top Cast

Bruce LeeBruce LeeSelf (archival)
Linda Lee CadwellLinda Lee CadwellSelf - Wife
Shannon LeeShannon LeeSelf - Daughter
Diana Lee InosantoDiana Lee InosantoSelf - Goddaughter
Sam HoSelf - Film Critic
Jeff ChangSelf - Cultural Critic / Writer
Andre MorganAndre MorganSelf - Film Producer
Doug PalmerSelf - Student / Friend
Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-JabbarSelf - Student / Friend
Ruby ChowSelf - Family Friend
Leroy GarciaSelf - Student / Friend
Dan InosantoDan InosantoSelf - Close Friend
Jesse GloverSelf - First Student / Friend
Amy SanboSelf - Former Girlfriend
Sylvia LaiSylvia LaiSelf - Family Friend
Robert Lee Jan-FaiRobert Lee Jan-FaiSelf - Brother
Nancy KwanNancy KwanSelf - Actress / Friend
Barney ScollanSelf - Student / Friend
Paul M. HellerSelf - Film Producer
Tom KuhnSelf - Former Warner Bros. Executive

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Recommendations

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey
★ 7.3
Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey2000Documentary

Documentary on the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, with a focus on the production of his unfinished film Game of Death. Using interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Lee aficionado John Little paints a portrait of the world's most famous action hero, concluding with a new cut of Game of Death's action finale, reconstructed from Lee's notes and recently-recovered footage.

Bruce Lee, the Legend
★ 7.9
Bruce Lee, the Legend1984Documentary

The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.

I Am Bruce Lee
★ 7.6
I Am Bruce Lee2012Documentary

Bruce Lee is universally recognized as the pioneer who elevated martial arts in film to an art form, and this documentary will reveal why Bruce Lee's flame burns brighter now than the day he died over three decades ago. The greatest martial artists, athletes, actors, directors, and producers in the entertainment business today will share their feelings about the one who started it all. We will interview the people whose lives, careers, and belief systems were forever altered by the legendary "Father of Martial Arts Cinema". Rarely seen archival footage and classic photos will punctuate the personal testimonials. Prepare to be inspired.

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
★ 6.7
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks2019Documentary

The fantastic story of how an ancient martial art, Chinese kung fu, conquered the world through the hundreds of films that were produced in Hong Kong over the decades, transformed Western action cinema and inspired the birth of cultural movements such as blaxploitation, hip hop music, parkour and Wakaliwood cinema.

The Curse of the Dragon
★ 7.2
The Curse of the Dragon1993Documentary

A 1993 documentary film about Bruce Lee. The film includes interviews from some of his fellow students and opponents who worked alongside him in his movies.

Jackie Chan: My Story
★ 6.3
Jackie Chan: My Story1998Documentary

Jackie Chan is one of the world's biggest action stars, famed for his wacky sense of humor, remarkable martial arts techniques, and willingness to perform incredible stunts without the use of doubles -- or a net. This video takes a personal look at Chan as he works on screen projects in Hollywood and Beijing and candidly discusses his life and work.

Jodorowsky's Dune
★ 7.8
Jodorowsky's Dune2013Documentary

In 1974, Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on the quixotic project of adapting Frank Herbert's influential novel Dune (1969) for the big screen. After investing two years, and millions of dollars, the gigantic project ended in failure; but the artists Jodorowsky brought together to carry it out continued to work together, and ended up laying the foundations for modern science fiction cinema.

Wick Is Pain
★ 7.4
Wick Is Pain2025Documentary

Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.

Sidney
★ 6.9
Sidney2022Documentary

This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

Come See Me in the Good Light
★ 7.2
Come See Me in the Good Light2025Documentary

In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.

I Am Ali
★ 6.7
I Am Ali2014Documentary

Unprecedented access to Muhammad Ali's personal archive of "audio journals" as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends are used to tell the legend's life story.

Being James Bond
★ 7.8
Being James Bond2021Documentary

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye
★ 7.2
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye2022Documentary

Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.

Tupac: Resurrection
★ 7.9
Tupac: Resurrection2003Documentary

Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.

De Palma
★ 7.0
De Palma2016Documentary

An intimate conversation between filmmakers, chronicling De Palma’s 55-year career, his life, and his filmmaking process, with revealing anecdotes and, of course, a wealth of film clips.

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction
★ 6.9
Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction2013Documentary

An impressionistic portrait of the iconic actor Harry Dean Stanton comprised of intimate moments, film clips from some of his 250 films and his renditions of American folk songs.

LA 92
★ 7.8
LA 922017Documentary

Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92 immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage.

Woody Allen: A Documentary
★ 6.9
Woody Allen: A Documentary2011Documentary

An intense portrait of the iconic filmmaker, writer, actor, comedian and musician Woody Allen: his life, family and friends; his writing and directing habits, and his relationship with performers.

Crips and Bloods: Made in America
★ 6.6
Crips and Bloods: Made in America2009Documentary

With a first-person look at the notorious Crips and Bloods, this film examines the conditions that have lead to decades of devastating gang violence among young African Americans growing up in South Los Angeles.

More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story
★ 7.1
More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story2021Documentary

The Oscar nominated actor best known for his role of Mr. Miyagi, left behind a painfully revealing autobiographical record of his much-too-brief time here on earth. Tracing his journey from being bed bound as a boy to the bright lights and discrimination in Hollywood. Deep inside that sweet, generous, multi-talented performer seethed an army of demons, that even alcohol and drugs couldn't mask.

Similar titles

In retrospect
★ 4.0
In retrospect2025Documentary

Immigrant workers build a shopping mall for the upcoming 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. In 2016, nine people with migrant backgrounds are killed in a racist attack at the same mall.

Roch Voisine - l'ascension
★ 7.0
Roch Voisine - l'ascension2025Documentary

La Traversée de Bourvil
★ 7.5
La Traversée de Bourvil2022Documentary

September 23, 2022 marks the 52nd anniversary of the death of Bourvil (1917-1970). Radio, sketches, boulevard theater, operetta, cinema, songs whimsical or tender, Bourvil is present in all areas of popular culture. Carried by the voice of Valérie Lemercier, this portrait of the artist allows us to rediscover his most beautiful songs, from Les Crayons to La Tendresse, and the highlights of his filmography, from the cult scenes of La Traversée de Paris, Le Corniaud and La Grande Vadrouille to Le Cercle rouge. We also rediscover the richness of his career as a singer and actor, with some little known nuggets. The testimony of Bourvil's two sons, unpublished family films and numerous archives tell the story of the all too brief life of this endearing man.

British Sporting Personalities
Not rated
British Sporting Personalities1959Documentary

A docu-almanac about British sports personalities.

Who’s Counting? Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies and Global Economics
★ 10.0
Who’s Counting? Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies and Global Economics1995Documentary

This documentary profiles economist and writer Marilyn Waring. In extensive interviews, Waring details her feminist approach to finances and challenges commonly accepted truths about the global economy. The filmmakers detail Waring's early rise to political prominence and her successful protests against nuclear arms. Waring also speaks candidly about wartime economies, suggesting that government policies tend to marginalize the fiscal contributions of women.

A la diestra del cielo
★ 5.3
A la diestra del cielo2007Documentary

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Ján Smrek menej známy1998Documentary

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Call Me Iggy2012Documentary

Adın sirri və tale. Qurban Səid
★ 5.0
Adın sirri və tale. Qurban Səid2010Documentary

A film about the life and work of the Azerbaijani immigrant journalist and writer Mohammad Asad Bey, who emigrated to Germany after the collapse of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 20th century

LA 92
★ 7.8
LA 922017Documentary

Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92 immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage.

Charlton Heston: For All Seasons
★ 5.0
Charlton Heston: For All Seasons1995Documentary

The life and times of actor and NRA activist Charlton Heston.

Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door
★ 7.0
Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door1996Documentary

Amiable and unassuming, Fred MacMurray went from small-town boy to one of Hollywood and television's most enduring stars.

Roger Moore: A Matter of Class
★ 7.7
Roger Moore: A Matter of Class1995Documentary

The story of actor Roger Moore, including clips from his movies, television shows and interviews with the actor, his family and acquaintances.

William Holden: The Golden Boy
Not rated
William Holden: The Golden Boy1989Documentary

It was said of him that in more than 70 films, he never once gave a bad performance.

Brontë Country: The Story of Emily, Charlotte & Anne Brontë
Not rated
Brontë Country: The Story of Emily, Charlotte & Anne Brontë2002Documentary

Travel back to Victorian Britain and wander the cobbled streets of Haworth to the sites that inspired the great Brontë sisters’ classic novels.

Otto Siffling - Eine Fußball-Legende wird 100 (2012)
Not rated
Otto Siffling - Eine Fußball-Legende wird 100 (2012)2012Documentary

I Am Heath Ledger
★ 7.4
I Am Heath Ledger2017Documentary

The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.

Poster unavailable
★ 8.0
Visconti: La verdad del melodrama2001Documentary

Hong Kong Hustle: The Chinese Cinema Odyssey Of Stephen Chow
Not rated
Hong Kong Hustle: The Chinese Cinema Odyssey Of Stephen Chow2024Documentary

The first feature-length documentary to explore the career of Stephen Chow; featuring collaborators, critics, and academics. Produced for the Shout Factory release of his classic work on Blu-ray, "The Stephen Chow Collection" released in 2024. Fans will learn how Chow went from Hong Kong's TVB to feature film riches, with his peculiar brand of localized comedy, to becoming one of the most successful brand names in Mainland China, including the blockbuster reception for his comedy "The Mermaid" in 2016.

On the Other Side
★ 8.0
On the Other Side2021Documentary

When director Iván Guarnizo's mother passes during the first days of peace talks with FARC-EP in Colombia, a door opens to explore a dark and painful past and, perhaps, find forgiveness. Iván's mother had been kidnapped by FARC-EP forces and held in captivity for 603 days. As they marched her through the jungles and mountains of the Colombian countryside, she was able to keep a diary that in great detail documented the places she was taken, her experiences and the names and descriptions of her captors.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.